What happens if a tenant does not pay their rent?

It’s a landlord’s worst-case scenario: a non-paying tenant has occupied an investment property. A relaxed attitude to late payment often gives the tenant the impression that performing on the lease agreement is optional, says Liebenberg.

Is it legal for a landlord to lock out a tenant?

In the residential rental space, there are often stories of landlords locking tenants out for non-payment of rent or electricity. With regards to the law, landlords and letting agents are not allowed to do this. Nonetheless, it is important that tenants keep their rent up to date at all times.

Is it illegal for a landlord to cut off electricity?

“Under the Rental Housing Act of 50 1999 (RHA), it is unlawful and a criminal offence for a landlord to cut off electricity or water, to change locks (without providing the new keys), to seize goods (without a court order), to intimidate or to obstruct a tenant’s entry into the property in any way,” Stevens says.

Can a landlord let a tenant in without a deposit?

Never allow a tenant into a property without having a signed lease, received proof of payment of the deposit and a signed incoming inspection.

What can a landlord do if they don’t pay rent?

1 Terminations and Evictions. Under normal circumstances, when tenants don’t pay rent, landlords have the option of terminating the tenancy (by serving the tenant with either a pay rent or quit 2 Evaluate Your Personal Financial Situation. 3 Try to Work Out a Temporary Solution With Tenants. 4 Look for Outside Assistance.

How often do tenants not pay their rent?

“Combined with other industry statistics that show that on a month-to-month basis nearly 6% of tenants do not pay their rent in the month that it is due, the problem is larger than some landlords would like to admit.” 1. Use an estate agent

What happens if a tenant does not pay a deposit?

Once a tenant is in a property on the promise of paying a deposit at a future date, you have no guarantee that you will ever get the deposit – leaving you as the landlord at immense risk should non-payment or damage occur. Also, if no incoming inspection exists, you have no grounds to claim damages when the tenant moves out.

Can a tenant deny a landlord access to the property?

A tenant cannot deny a landlord’s access to the property when proper notice is given and the request is reasonable. The occupant may, however, request to change the date or put in a clause in the lease to limit the number of times the landlord can enter the unit.